Data supports extremely early intervention for multiple sclerosi...( nt reduction in the rate of developing ...),Health

nt reduction in the rate of developing a clinical diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and a 48 percent reduction in the number of relapses when compared to patients who began treatment with a placebo and switched to an active treatment an average of 2 years after the onset of symptoms.

"After five years, our results clearly demonstrated that immediate initiation of Avonex therapy continues to slow the development of clinically definite MS compared to initiation of therapy more than two years after the onset of symptoms," explains Kinkel.

Furthermore, those patients who initiated therapy at the onset were more likely to be classified as clinically stable between years four and five compared with those patients who began therapy more than two years after the onset of symptoms. "Very few patients from either group developed significant disability after five years of observation suggesting that both immediate and early initiation [within two years] of therapy may prevent the development of disability over five years. We plan to follow this group of patients for an additional five years to determine if there is a differential effect on the development of fixed disabilities."

'"/>

Contact: Bonnie Prescott
bprescot@bidmc.harvard.edu
617-667-7306
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
20-Sep-2003

Page: 1 2 3
Related medicine news :

1. Emergency department study supports giving dehydrated children fluids by mouth
2. Review supports link between HRT and stroke
3. Chamomile tea: New evidence supports health benefits
4. Social supports lessen effects of maltreatment on children vulnerable to depression
5. Study supports the use of mechanical assistance
6. Study supports aggressive treatment of heart patients with cholesterol-lowering medication
7. New data supports CellCepts position as a world leader in solid organ transplantation
8. NCI grant supports Jefferson trial to study test for colorectal cancer recurrence
9. Study supports new theory for nicotines protective effect against neurodegenerative disorders
10. New study supports use of PET scans in early diagnosis of Alzheimers disease
11. Contraception study supports convenience, simplicity